Art & culture

Albert Einstein, Ferdinand Hodler, Jean Tinguely, Kuno Lauener, Paul Klee, Steff la Cheffe or Ursula Andress: in one way or the other, Bern has either impacted or inspired them all.

The Canton of Bern allows art and culture to flourish. Around 130 museums host exhibitions on cheese, the Middle Ages, the art of painting, clocks, wine-growing, chocolate, Paul Klee, Albert Einstein as well as the famous Kambly biscuits – in short, on everything that has helped to shape Bern. Every year in March, the capital holds a ‘museums at night’ event during which a light show transforms the façades of the cultural institutions into a piece of art. Fans of the Middle Ages are spoilt for choice with the 150 castles and fortresses. Bern also has a variety of concerts and festivals in store for music fans, such as the Gurten Festival or the Lake Thun Festival.

Architectural masterpieces

The City of Bern was founded in 1191. To this day, it is home to some architectural highlights from the olden days. The city’s cathedral, the Bern Münster, represents for example the Gothic period, the Zytglogge, the clock tower, dates to the Late Baroque period and the different fountains with figures are a testimony of the Renaissance. Different epochs have also left their traces in Thun. The city hall square unites buildings from the 14th, 15th and 18th century. A big highlight in the Emmental are the stately farm houses which adorn the landscape.